Thursday, January 22, 2015

Pipe Dreams and Morning Tea

Oh, nothing.

I'm just sitting here with my boyfriend, Earl Grey, perusing my article in the current issue of Artful Blogging magazine.

Life, you never stop cracking me up.

I discovered Artful Blogging in my first year of blogging and it scratched all my twitchiest itches. It seemed like a pipe dream back then to imagine I've ever be among it's thick, decadent pages. It was one of those thoughts I only whispered to myself because I didn't
want myself to feel embarrassed by or disappointed in myself or by
myself when it never happened. To myself. (It was complicated.)

Back on the farm, I'd spend my pocket cash on an issue, now and then. I'd devour every article and the photography was so compelling, Cory usually flipped it when I was done. My stack of back-issues moved with me from house to house because they're bonafide works of art (along with Anthro and J Crew catalogs.) I'll never part with them.

When the editor contacted me a few months ago about writing a piece for the magazine, I was thrilled. It was one of those private victories, a surprise remnant from my past life that showed up unannounced and made me grin my cheeks off.

If you're interested, you can find a copy at places like B&N, Hobby Lobby, or Michaels. You can also subscribe.

Just for the hay of it, I'm buying two extra copies with the discount Stampington & Co. armed me with, and I'm giving one away right here and one on my FPFG Facebook page. Because you guys are my homies, that's why. You tell me what face wash to use and where to find yoga pants to fit my wiry bod and what to read/watch/listen to. You cheer me on and up and jeez-Louise, I honestly don't know what I'd do without you.

To enter, just tell me something good in the comments. Anything, as long as it's happy or wonderful or "fantastich" as Ruby wrote in a letter last night.

81 comments:

Shannon ~ So happy for you! I just read Artful Blogging for the first time since I was given an issue for Christmas...It truly is a work of art! Our littlest spilled my coffee on the coffee table and I dove to protect the magazine - - unfortunately, the library books weren't as lucky! Whoops, I feel bad about that... but it was instinct! :) You are such a talented writer and have a unique style all your own ~ you definitely belong in those pages. Can't wait to read your feature. God is so good and over-the-top with these kind of surprises! Shine on FPFG!! ~julie

Somethings good: tomatoes, feta, goat cheese, Gorgonzola, the word crostini, the idea of Indian Buffet for lunch (OK, now that you are a convert, we have to get you to Indian Garden in Mishy), new glasses, home to Ohio, the cats, suppose I should throw Rick in there, texts from my mom, working from home and watching four Amish girls cracking up HARD walking into Meijer, then seeing one of them still giggling to herself, grinning, three minutes later.

Here's my fantastic ... I love thrifting, but after reading your fashion blogging, I stopped by Goodwill this week to look for some different looks. I got some long-sleeve Ts, couple of casual jackets. Didn't find any gingham yet, but I'm on the lookout. Now I just need to figure out how to get new looks from what I purchased. I plan on LAYERING. :) Happy Day!

Congrats, Shannan! You are a rockstar. I sent out an invite to 8 women to come to a retreat I've dreamed about for over a year. So far, 6 are in and I'm so glad I pushed that send arrow - it was scary! Trying to be brave this year and follow that still small voice.

Go you! What a treat! My "fantastich": the hyacinth in my study just bloomed and the entire house now smells like spring, the predicted snow storm never arrived, and I caught sight of the neighborhood cat slinking through the meadow behind our house, whipping her tail, on the prowl.

many weeks ago i told God that the next time someone gave me a starbucks gift card, rather than keeping it for myself - i would give it away. last night a dear friend gave me a LATE christmas gift - that she had wrapped more than a month ago - so - this morning i dropped said coffee card into the snail mail and sent it on its merry way to a friend who recently moved 2 hours away.

So exciting!!! Little moments of gratitude go so far in making us joyful! I reflected in my quiet time yesterday about "What are you grateful for?" and the list made me realize how much there is! (And my life is by no means glamorous or perfect... but we all have so much to be grateful for if you just stop and focus on that for a minute instead of the stresses and worries can easily consume our thoughts!)

Congrats on this, awesome news. :-). My good news is on Monday my foster daughter will be freed for adoption and we can start the process. :-) I would LOVE to win a copy of Artful Blogger. Thanks for the giveaway. Have a blessed day.

I found your blog through Becoming: The Unfolding of You. Your video spoke to me and warmed my heart. Sounds like the unfolding never stops :) Congratulations on this amazing milestone and wonderful encouragement! P.s. how have I NEVER heard of this magazine?!

My something good for the day - my mama boldly spoke the truth in grace last week about some things going on at work to leadership, and had a follow up meeting this morning, at which she was anxiously thinking she would be asked to resign. Instead, there was good, productive conversation, the beginnings of healing, and recognition by others of their own wrongdoing. I'm feeling so proud of her today for speaking up, and for resting in God's plan for good.

Awesome! Congrats! Sing it with me: "Tell me something good". I flew the cold Indiana coop solo with my kids for a few days of Vitamin D rich, sunshiny beaches in Florida. It's doing us a a lot of good.

Gahhhh! SO awesome!! i would love to be in this mag!! Yahoo for you, girl! I don't know what to tell you about yoga pants. I'm wearing some right now and they stink and they're driving me cray. Read the Book Thief and listen to Serial on podcast. ASAP.

Our victory today was my oldest getting to throw out the "internal" headgear he's been wearing since last May. He can actually open his mouth around a cheese burger now. We did the happy dance to celebrate! We're happy for you too. Great accomplishment!

I say..CONGRATS! , Never stop dreaming and our Heavenly Father truly does give us our heart's desires when we trust in Him! Giving a big ol shout out from a little holler in the tee tiny village of Valley Head, Alabama!!!

Here's something awesome that brought tears to my eyes this morning: Driving to my weekly mom group this morning (MOTTTS at Wakarusa Missionary Church; you should check it out sometime) ahead a ways I saw a police car pull in a driveway and turn around. I waited for his lights to turn on, wondering who he caught and for what infraction. Instead he pulled up to a teenager walking on the sidewalk. It was 8:45. This kid was walking towards school. In the cold. Late already. And still had quite a ways to go. The officer offered her a ride, and she gladly accepted.

Man, even now, I'm tearing up again. I guess for me it was a glimpse of Christ reaching out to us, as we are walking in our mundane every day life, hanging our head in shame for oversleeping or missing the bus, or ... (insert sin here). And not scolding us or berating us, but reaching out to us, offering us a hand, a ride, an ear to listen, and a shoulder to cry on. This is forgiveness. Redemption! Freedom! Thank you, Jesus! Thank you!

my 6 year old daughter left me a post it note on my bathroom mirror telling me she loved me and she loved the way I 'drest.' it happened a few days ago and I am still glowing from it. I have never heard of that magazine - but you've got me hankering to check it out!

I just found you. I joined JO's Becoming: The Unfolding of You, and was captivated by your story. Artful Blogging is a great magazine though I don't buy it anymore because (1) i'm trying to be more frugal and (2) I haven't blogged since 2011 :-). But if I win it I'll read it cover to cover. Promise.

I just found you. I joined JO's Becoming: The Unfolding of You, and was captivated by your story. Artful Blogging is a great magazine though I don't buy it anymore because (1) i'm trying to be more frugal and (2) I haven't blogged since 2011 :-). But if I win it I'll read it cover to cover. Promise.

There has been a lot of bad lately, but let's see....something good. I work at my kids' school in the office. We have a super cute little dude that continues to make bad choices in the classroom and has to come spend time in the office quite often. On his last visit he walked up to my desk and in his sweet voice he said "Mrs. Austin, I made this for you". He handed me a small piece of paper with a heart drawn on it and his name scribbled in the corner. I immediately gave him a hug, reached for my tape dispenser and proudly displayed it on my desk. That little guy made my day! Btw, I am super psyched for you. :)

This is wonderful news! I did not know such a magazine existed...what rock have I been living under? I must check this out for inspiration. After Saturday, of course, just in case, you know, I win a copy. Oh, and something good? I just discovered that our new church has a writers group. I'm so excited to check it out as that is the one thing I missed when I moved in 2012 - that group connection with other writers.

My Charlotte(8) wrote a letter in cursive last night to the President and said; "Dear Mr. President, I am very concerned about the trees..." She did it all on her own and then looked up the address and addressed her envelope in cursive as well. Sigh.

My youngest, age 4 (who has CP as well as many traits of autism) remarked this morning, "Bubby (he used his brother's name) is Oscar the Grouch." This was great for a few reasons -1.b/c it was hilarious 2. b/c his brother was grouchy, 3. b/c he recognized emotion 4. b/c it was a five word phrase.It's the little things in life that make me happy. Yesterday he declared from the backseat: "G (his own name) believes in Jesus!" with such contentment and enthusiasm it made my heart swell. I don't know where he learned that exact phrase, but it reminded me that Jesus cares about my son.

¡Felicitaciones! I love how God orchestrates things for our benefit. About a month ago my husband went to the store where we buy granola and, while talking to the owner, learned he was changing things in his store in order to become certified with the national celiac association. This week I learned I have celiac, and God provided a source for products before we even knew we'd need it!Also, it turns out my doctor has celiac and she was SO helpful in getting started. She was able to tell us which companies it's safe to buy from (no problems with cross-contamination) for things like cheese, milk, etc. Also websites where we could go for information. Since we live overseas, this is a huge blessing because we would not have really known where to start otherwise.

I read this quote by John Piper the other day and thought it was so true - "There is more true joy to be found in walking with God through the fires of hell (trials of life) than in taking a walk on the beach without God." God just walked with me through a hard thing, and I'm so glad to be on the other side with much joy and thankfulness in my heart!

Me and the hubs stepped out of our introvert comfort zones on Wednesday and went to our first Lifegroup at our new church! We joked after we dropped kiddos off at youth that we should just go on a date instead--but we chose people!. Trying to love more and get to know His people in 2015! Congrats lady! ❤️

That magazine sounds super awesome even if I've never heard of it. I need to know where you stash your stack of magazines and catalogs you can't get rid of. I have one too and often think I should get rid of it, but...

Congrats on being published in the latest issue of Artful Blogging. No doubt about it, you belong between those pages on a regular basis. But more than that, you have inspired and encouraged thousands of hearts. Your blog speaks not only to the visual eye, but to the heart, and yes, the SOUL. Deep stuff. You spill yourself out into us, no filter, just raw love and courage. You show us how it's done, to be brave and step out into the unknown, all messy and beautiful at the same time. I can never say it too often, THANK YOU, for being you. THANK YOU, for loving us. It's all good.

something good, you say...I just happen to have a B&N store credit from a Christmas gift return. Now I know the perfect purchase--Artful blogging and a cuppa chai to sit and savor both. How fun to see 'your name in lights!"

Congrats on being published! You are a fav blogger of mine.... I love how your topics are all over the board, just like life is! Something good,,,, I have three healthy darling grandkids, with another one on the way!

So excited for you! Thanks for sharing about celebrating the little victories along the way - it speaks to my heart and fits in just right with what I"m learning through Unfolding:The Becoming of You. I feel like God is up to revealing new things to me and my family this year and I don't want to miss a single bit. I want ears to hear and eyes to see and a heart to feel all that he wants us to realize and share. I want a boldness to share. So thankful for your words which minister to my heart. Thankful. So thankful. :)

Oh my goodness, congratulations! It is a dream of mine to be published in any of Stampington's beatiful magazines, so I know you must be over the moon. As for something happy or wonderful, I can think of nothing better than the fact that we are all saved by God's beautiful act of love, shown by his death on the cross. No matter what the day throws at me, I remember that and know all is alright! Thanks for being an inspiration.